Nonfoods

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- Delhaize Group, the parent company of U.S. retailers Food Lion, Hannaford, Kash n' Karry, and Harvey's, yesterday reported first quarter performance that reflected the company's current challenges in the highly competitive Southeast market.

Washington, D.C. -- Kicking off the produce industry's premiere political advocacy event, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns will address the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association's Washington Public Policy Conference (WPPC) Sept. 14. Sworn in as the 28th USDA Secretary on Jan. 21, 2005, Johanns will discuss current and forthcoming administration priorities including federal nutrition policy, the Farm Bill, the President's Healthier U.S. Initiative, and how he will personally work with the produce industry to forward the department¿s goals.

BETHESDA, Md. -- Specialty food chain Balducci's here has signed a promotional agreement with NBA star Antawn Jamison of the Washington Wizards, for a marketing relationship that includes a signature sandwich and in-store appearances.

BETHESDA, Md. -- A new study published yesterday in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that eating an increased amount of low-fat dairy foods could lower blood pressure more effectively than a conventional low-fat diet.

FISHERS, N.Y. -- The New York Apple Association is lovin' it. On the heels of McDonald's Corp.'s recent debut of a new Fruit 'n Walnut Salad featuring fresh apple slices, the New York Apple Association based here was among those in the produce industry to high-five the move.

AUSTIN, Texas -- Whole Foods Market, Inc. reported a leap in sales of 20 percent, to $1.1 billion, for the 12-week quarter ended April 10. The health food supermarket chain attributed the increase, which was the company's first 12-week quarter to surpass $1 billion in sales, to 13 percent weighted average year-over-year square footage growth and comparable-store sales growth of 11.6 percent.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. ¿ The May 8 episode of ABC's hit show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" will have special meaning for Price Chopper, based here: The regional 43-store grocer with locations in Kansas and Missouri was closely involved in helping a local family's dream of a better place to live come true.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- With Wal-Mart looking to expand its supercenter concept into northern California, locally based Raley's launched a new everyday low price (EDLP) strategy yesterday on a significant selection of products in its 125 Raley's, Bel Air Markets, and Nob Hill Foods stores.